Head Founder of Texas-based Juko-Kai International

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A Brief History of Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate

With 50 years of police and investigative experience, Rod Sacharnoski is also a globally renowned martial arts Grandmaster, and the Founder and President of Juko-Kai International. The author of books on Toide and Combat Ki martial arts, he founded America’s first recognized Sokeship Commission in 1972. Rod Sacharnoski is a 10th dan Soke (Head Founder) and is one of the few non-Asians to earn the 9th Degree Hanshi grading in traditional Okinawan Shorin-ryu Karate, Kobudo, and Toide.

Named in 1933 by Choshin Chibana, Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate is a synthesis of Okinawan and Chinese martial arts whose roots go back more than 500 years. Defined by its narrow, high stance and preference for circular movement over direct strikes, Shorin-ryu karate is one of the founding elements of modern karate. There are more than 10 key kata in Shorin-ryu, which are choreographed moves for individuals or pairs useful for reference and training. Once a student earns the black belt rank, they are then taught the various forms of Okinawan weaponry.